UNCONTAINED

05.29.12

NM Fire Nears State Record

Luis Sanchez Saturno, The New Mexican / AP Photo

New Mexico is experiencing its version of last summer’s destructive wildfire in Arizona. Two blazes sparked by lightning in southwestern New Mexico on Saturday merged in a wildfire that is now close to becoming the largest in state history, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The flames had engulfed roughly 152,000 acres by Tuesday, 5,000 acres short of breaking the state record. More than 1,100 firefighters are battling the blaze, though low humidity and high winds have hampered their efforts.